Bronze R. Major believes that today's marketing environment is a combination of innovation, evolution, and the era of “on-demand” advertising. He knows that with the push of a button on a smartphone, influencers can have a positive or negative impact on a company.
Major is the Marketing Director for Carrabba's Italian Grill and Aussie Grill, divisions of Bloomin' Brands, and has over 15 years of experience across marketing disciplines, with the ability to build meaningful relationships with consumers and drive profitability. , has a reputation for its ability to improve profitability. Trademark value.
“Now more than ever, consumers don't want to be advertised,” Major said. “They prefer authentic brands that are interested in building a relationship rather than just getting a deal.”
Bloomin' Brands increased marketing and advertising spending last fall, following an industry-wide trend as casual dining chains struggle to regain traffic. Although not a marketing-specific effort, Carrabba's has launched Sandwich Bistro, his hub for full catering.
Major knows that artificial intelligence (AI) is also changing the marketing landscape. “AI should be seen as a tool, not a replacement. Campaigns can accelerate time to market, optimize creative and messaging, and enhance marketing. The human element should never be replaced or duplicated. In AI, the power of “and” comes into play. Marketing leaders must embrace the challenge of embracing AI and leveraging its capabilities to drive desired business results. ”
At Major, we recognize the importance of influencers in today's marketing environment.
“Word of mouth has always been the most influential form of advertising. What used to be one-to-one or one-to-some is now one-to-many because of the astronomical increase in the power of social media influencers. '' says the major. “Influencers play a critical role in restaurant marketing, providing authentic advocacy and access to untapped audiences. They amplify brand messages, drive engagement, and ultimately They have the power to increase foot traffic and sales. Businesses need to embrace influencers. Influencers can be not only great business partners, but also allies.”
When leveraging these influencers, Major believes authenticity is paramount. “Partnerships must resonate with our brand values and speak directly to our target audience. The influencers we work with, whether micro or macro, have an unwavering commitment to their craft. You need to have dedication and a genuine connection with your audience. The key to successfully using influencers for your business is to make them a natural fit so that your message is authentic.”
Who is his favorite influencer? @TheEverythingDad on Instagram. “I'm a single father with a 7-year-old girl and have had a demanding career. Content creators and social media influencers are a huge part of the meals I make, the products I use for my daughter, and what we do.” His posts and reels resonate with me because there are similarities in our lives. This connection is a testament to the power of realness and the authenticity of influencers.”
Major knows that consumer behavior is influenced by a variety of factors. These include social proof, convenience, price, quality, emotional connection, and more. Consumers want to build relationships with brands.
“Consumers are constantly evaluating whether their experience matches their expectations,” he said. “In the event of a loss of connectivity, it is our responsibility to exceed delivery and promptly resolve any issues identified.”
One thing Major is convinced of is that the creator economy is not a trend. “We are revolutionizing marketing by decentralizing content creation and empowering individuals to build brands and communities. It’s about authentic storytelling, building engagement with target audiences, and partnering with influencers. , offers exciting opportunities such as user-generated content and reshaping the way brands interact with consumers.”